1. College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120. Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science How To Make an Effective Presentation Dr. Jim Nelson Professor Emeritus Introduction Preparation Graphics General Tips Closure ENGR 120 - Fall Quarter - 2007

2. College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120. Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science Introduction Preparation Graphics General Tips Closure Allow yourself enough time to prepare. It always takes more time than you think.

3. College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120. Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science Introduction Preparation Graphics General Tips Closure Presentation Title Slide Mind Mapping Voice Projection Gestures Conversational Tone Graphs 3D or 2D ? Titles Units

4. College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120. Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science Introduction Preparation Graphics General Tips Closure KISS Principle Keep It Simple, Stupid !! (Keep it at an appropriate level for the audience)

5. College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120. Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science Introduction Preparation Graphics General Tips Closure BE FLEXIBLE !! Be prepared to adjust your presentation to: Audience Equipment Problems Time Constraints Room

6. College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120. Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science Introduction Preparation Graphics General Tips Closure Speak from your slides or transparencies. Let them serve as your notes. Allow about one minute per slide.

7. College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120. Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science Introduction Preparation Graphics General Tips Closure GRAPHS Simple, Not Cluttered Readable Title and Axis Labels Units 3D only if it adds clarity

8. College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120. Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science Introduction Preparation Graphics General Tips Closure Enrollment Statistics Number of Students

9. College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120. Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science Introduction Preparation Graphics General Tips Closure Enrollment Statistics Looks impressive, but difficult to read accurately

10. College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120. Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science Introduction Preparation Graphics General Tips Closure

11. College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120. Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science Introduction Preparation Graphics General Tips Closure Avoid red on a dark blue background. However, white on a dark blue background works well.

12. College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120. Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science Introduction Preparation Graphics General Tips Closure Always check your slides on the projector screen. They will look different than on your computer screen.

13. College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120. Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science Introduction Preparation Graphics General Tips Closure Most audiences can not read text with font smaller than 18 points. This is 12-point font. This is 18-point font. This is 24-point font. This is 32-point font (bold).

14. College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120. Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science Introduction Preparation Graphics General Tips Closure One of the worst things you can do is put so much stuff on a slide that no one can possibly read it past the first row; and the apologize to the audience by saying I know you cant read this slide, but heres what it says. This is made even worse when the slide contains numerical data and tables, much of which is superfluous anyway. Include only that material which is really relevant and easily absorbed by the audience. You should use short key words and phrases that prompt you for what you want to say and serve as an anchor for your audience. This slide is intended to serve as an example of how not to do it.

15. College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120. Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science Introduction Preparation Graphics General Tips Closure Practice delivering your presentation in front of the mirror or friends. Better yet, video tape yourself and critically evaluate your performance.

16. College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120. Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science Introduction Preparation Graphics General Tips Closure In evaluating your performance, consider facial expressions eye contact posture gestures movement tone of voice

17. College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120. Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science Introduction Preparation Graphics General Tips Closure A natural, conversational tone is the most interesting and effective way to make your presentation.

18. College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120. Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science Introduction Preparation Graphics General Tips Closure Wear clothing that will draw the audiences attention to what you are saying, not to the clothing itself.

19. College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120. Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science Introduction Preparation Graphics General Tips Closure Convey a positive attitude. Smile and act friendly. Use eye contact; focus on different people in the audience. Do not read off a script or memorize your speech.

20. College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120. Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science Introduction Preparation Graphics General Tips Closure Avoid distracting body language (like jingling coins in your pocket). Learn to modulate your voice. Slow down! Use strategic pauses.

21. College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120. Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science Introduction Preparation Graphics General Tips Closure Tips for Presenting with a Team Introduce everyone on the team Divide tasks according to individual strengths Rehearse often, and seek constructive criticism Work on smooth transitions Pass the baton by mentioning other peoples names Practice answering questions the team has brainstormed

22. College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120. Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science Introduction Preparation Graphics General Tips Closure Start on time and end on time. Respond directly, but courteously, to questions from the audience.

23. College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120. Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science Introduction Preparation Graphics General Tips Closure Questions?